Basant 2026: Four killed, over 6 billion business as three-day festival concludes

The Basant festival in Lahore has concluded as per its scheduled timeframe, following which a complete ban on kite flying has once again been enforced across the city.

During the three-day festival, four people lost their lives and 11 others were injured, including a child and a journalist.

The Punjab government had granted limited permission to celebrate Basant in Lahore on 6, 7 and 8 February, allowing citizens to observe the traditional festival within a designated area.

According to the administration, with the end of the Basant celebrations, the sale and purchase of kites and kite strings has also been completely banned.

Any kite-flying activity in Lahore is now considered a criminal offence, and violators will face legal action.

The three-day Basant festival came to an end early in the morning, after which normal life resumed in the city.

Offices, schools and colleges reopened, while students returned to their institutions carrying colourful memories of a festival that filled the city with kites, music and celebrations.

Sources estimate that overall business worth between Rs 4 to 6 billion was generated during Basant. This included spending on kites and strings, food items and travel.

It is reported that over Rs 2 billion was generated through the sale of kites and strings alone.

The poultry industry benefited significantly due to widespread barbecue parties, while fast food outlets and sweet shops also recorded earnings worth millions of rupees.

The arrival of a large number of visitors from other cities boosted activity in the transport sector as well.

People from all walks of life participated in the Basant festivities.